Synergistic antimicrobial preparations containing chlorite and hydrogen peroxide

ABSTRACT

An anti-microbial preservative for use in ophthalmic and dermatologic products. The preservative includes from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Additionally, the preservative does not generate chlorine dioxide within the pH range of 5.0-8.8. Also included are an antimicrobial ophthalmic and dermatologic compositions for direct application onto an eye or skin of a living being including from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Also included are methods for treating dryness of the eyes and skin disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, psoriasis, etc.) and for disinfecting and cleansing contact lenses while in place upon an eye by applying the composition to the eye or to the contact lens.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/658,609 filed on Oct. 23, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/879,989 filed on Sep. 10, 2010, which is adivisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/874,443 filed on Sep. 2, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/633,355 filed on Dec. 4, 2006, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/614,646filed on Jul. 7, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/911,638 filed Jul. 23, 2001 and matured intoU.S. Letters Patent No. 6,592,907 on Jul. 15, 2003, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/412,174filed Oct. 4, 1999, the entirety of the disclosures of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to medical compositions andmethods, and more particularly to certain disinfectant/antimicrobialpreparations and methods for using such preparations i) to disinfect orpreserve articles or surfaces, ii) as a topical antiseptic forapplication to body parts, iii) to prevent or deter scar formation; iv)to treat dermatological disorders such as wounds, burns, ulcers,psoriasis, acne and other scar forming lesions; and v) to treatophthalmic disorders such as infections, inflammation, dry eye, woundhealing, and allergic conjunctivitis.

2. Background of the Invention

A. Antimicrobial and Disinfectant/Antiseptic Agents Used forDisinfection/Antisepsis and Topical Treatment of Wounds, Burns,Abrasions and Infections

The prior art has included numerous antimicrobial agents which havepurportedly been useable for disinfection of various articles and/or fortopical application to a living being for antisepsis and/or treatment ofdermal disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, abrasions, infections) wherein itis desirable to prevent or deter microbial growth to aid in healing.Such topical antimicrobial agents have contained a variety of activemicrobicidal ingredients such as iodine, mercurochrome, hydrogenperoxide, and chlorine dioxide.

i. Prior Chlorine Dioxide Preparations

Chlorite, a precursor of chlorine dioxide, is known to be useable as adisinfectant for drinking water and as a preservative for contact lenscare solutions. However, chlorite exhibits only weak microbicidalactivity within a concentration range that is acceptable and safe fortopical application to the skin (e.g., 50-1000 parts per million). Thus,chlorite has not been routinely used as an active microbicidalingredient in preparations for topical application to the skin.

In view of the limited usefulness of chlorite as an antiseptic ortopical microbicide, various compositions and methods have been proposedfor activation or enhancement of the microbicidal activity of chlorite.Examples of such compositions and methods for activation or enhancementof the microbicidal activity of chlorite are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,997,616 (describing general activation); U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,673(describing acid activation) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,662 (describingtransition metal activation).

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) and “stabilized chlorine dioxide” are known tobe useable as antiseptics. Chemically, chlorine dioxide is an oxidizingagent which has strong microbicidal activity. Chlorine dioxide isgenerally regarded as superior even to gaseous chlorine in certain watertreatment applications where it is used as to eliminate algae and otherorganic material and/or to remove odors or tastes. Chlorine dioxide isalso effective as a microbicide, for elimination of bacteria, viruses,and microbial spores.

In addition to its use as a microbicide, chlorine dioxide is a highlyreactive, unstable radical which is useable as an oxidizing agent in anumber of other chemical and biochemical applications. For example, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,135, chlorine dioxide can be used for(a) oxidation of double bonds between two carbon atoms; (b) oxidation ofunsaturated fatty acids (lipids) via double bonds between two carbonatoms; (c) acceleration of hydrolysis of carboxylic anhydrides; (d)oxidation of aldehydes to the corresponding carboxylic acids; (e)oxidation of alcohols; (f) oxidation of amines; (g) oxidation ofphenols, phenolic derivatives and thiophenolic compounds; (h) moderateoxidation of hydroquinones; (i) oxidation of amino acids, proteins andpolyamides; j) oxidation of nitrates and sulfides; and (k) alteration ofthe CHO and CH₂OH radicals of carbohydrates to produce carboxylicfunctionality.

Concentrated chlorine dioxide in its liquid or gaseous state is highlyexplosive and poisonous. As a result, concentrated chlorine dioxide mustbe handled and transported with great caution. For this reason, it isgenerally not feasible to dispense pure chlorine dioxide for use as atopical antimicrobial agent or disinfectant. Instead, some antimicrobialor disinfectant preparations have been formulated to provide for “acidgeneration” of chlorine dioxide. Such acid generation solutions containa metal chlorite (i.e., a precursor of chlorine dioxide available inpowdered or liquid form) in combination with an acid which will reactwith the chlorite to liberate or release chlorine dioxide. Generally,any acid may be used for acid generation of chlorine dioxide, includingstrong acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid and relativelyweak acids such as citric and tartaric acid. Drawbacks or problemsassociated with these prior chlorine dioxide generating systems includea) the inconvenience of handing two separate containers or chemicalcomponents, b) the difficulty of delivering such two-component systemsto the intended site of application, and c) the fact that these priorsystems are of acid, rather than neutral, pH. Moreover, the priorchlorine dioxide generating systems which utilize acid-inducedgeneration of chlorine dioxide can, if uncontrolled, cause thegeneration of chlorine dioxide to occur quite rapidly and, as a result,the disinfectant or antimicrobial potency of the solution may be shortlived. Increasing the concentration of chlorite and acid within thesolution may prolong its disinfectant or antimicrobial shelf life, butsuch increased concentrations of these chemicals can result intoxicities or (in topical applications) skin irritation. Such increasedconcentrations may also result in the generation of more chlorinedioxide than is required.

Various methods have been described to limit or control the rate atwhich chlorine dioxide is produced in “acid generation” solutions. Forinstance, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 31,779 (Alliger), which is a reissue of U.S.Pat. No. 4,084,747, describes a germicidal composition which comprises awater soluble chlorite, such as sodium chlorite, in combination withlactic acid. The particular composition possesses improved disinfectantproperties, properties not attained by using the same composition butreplacing the lactic acid with other acids such as phosphoric acid,acetic acid, sorbic acid, fumaric acid, sulfamic acid, succinic acid,boric acid, tannic acid, and citric acid. The germ killing compositionis produced by contacting an acid material containing at least 15% byweight of lactic acid with sodium chlorite in aqueous media. The methodsdisclosed of disinfecting and sanitizing a germ-carrying substrate, suchas skin, include either application of the germ-killing composition, orapplication of the reactants to provide in situ production thereof.Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,384,134 (Kross) describes acid induced generationof chlorine dioxide from a metal chlorite wherein the chloriteconcentration is limited by the amount of available chlorous acid. Inparticular, the Kross patent describes a method for treating dermaldisorders wherein a first gel, which comprises a metal chlorite, ismixed with a second gel, which comprises a protic acid. The chloriteions present in such solution as chlorous acid purportedly comprise nomore than about 15% by weight of the total chlorite ion concentration inthe composition, and the mixture of the two gels purportedly generateschlorine dioxide over an extended time of up to 24 hours.

Other prior patents have purported to describe the use of “stabilized”chlorine dioxide as a means of chlorine dioxide generation. The termstabilized chlorine dioxide refers to various compositions in which thechlorine dioxide is believed to be held in solution in the form of alabile complex. The stabilization of chlorine dioxide by the use ofperborates was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,701,781 (de Guevara).According to the de Guevara patent, an antiseptic solution of stabilizedchlorine dioxide can be formed from an aqueous solution of chlorinedioxide and an inorganic boron compound with the boron compound and thechlorine dioxide being present in the solution as a labile complex. Thechlorine dioxide, fixed in this stable condition, is an essentialingredient of the antiseptic solution. The de Guevara patent disclosesthat the chlorine dioxide may be introduced into the compositions eitherby in situ generation or it may be generated externally and introducedinto the solution, as by bubbling the chlorine dioxide gas into theaqueous solution. Various methods may be employed for the externalproduction of the chlorine dioxide, such as reaction of sulfuric acidwith potassium chlorate or the reaction of the chlorate with moistoxalic acid. Alternatively, chlorine dioxide can be generated in situ byreaction of potassium chlorate and sulfuric acid. Note that whether thechlorine dioxide is produced in situ or externally, it is essentially anacid-induced liberation of the chlorine dioxide from potassium chlorate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,814 (Laso) describes stabilized chlorine dioxidepreparations for treatment of burns in humans. Aqueous mixtures ofperborate stabilized solutions of chlorine oxides, such as chlorinedioxide, in combination with glycerin are described for topicalapplication to burned areas and may also be administered by oralapplication for treatment of burns. The aqueous solutions of perboratestabilized chlorine oxides are disclosed as being prepared by mixingwith water the following: sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite,hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, an inorganic perborate, and a peroxycompound, such as sodium perborate. Thus, the solutions prepared inaccordance with the Laso patent contain chlorine dioxide, hypochloriteand peroxy compounds as strong oxidizing agents and appear to utilizeacid activation of the chlorine dioxide. The Laso patent states that themethods disclosed therein resulted in an immediate subsidence of burnrelated pain in many cases, that healing was rapid and characterized byan absence of infection or contraction, and that the burn scars weresmooth and resembled normal tissue, thus eliminating the need forplastic surgery in certain cases. However, long term storage andstability are issues with the aqueous solutions described in theabove-identified Laso patent, because such mixtures tend to generatechlorine dioxide very quickly, thus diminishing the long term stabilityof such mixtures.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,271,242 (McNicholas et al.,) describes stabilizedchlorine dioxide solutions which are formed by combining chlorinedioxide gas with an aqueous solution containing a peroxy compound, andsubsequently heating the solution to a temperature which is high enoughto drive off all free peroxide, but low enough not to destroy thechlorine dioxide. McNicholas et al., states that temperatures “muchbelow” 70 degrees C. are ineffective to drive off the free peroxide inthe solution and that temperatures should not exceed 92 degrees C.because at higher temperatures the chlorine dioxide will be driven off.McNicholas further states that, although not “entirely understood,” itwas believed that heating of the solution to drive off free peroxide wasnecessary because any free hydrogen peroxide allowed to remain in thesolution would release the chlorine dioxide from the solution.

ii. Antibiotic Preparations

Antibiotic compounds have also been commonly used for the therapeutictreatment of burns, wounds, and skin and eye infections. Whileantibiotics may provide an effective form of treatment, several dangersare often associated with the use of antibiotics in the clinicalenvironment. These dangers may include but are not limited to: (1)changes in the normal flora of the body, with resulting “superinfection”due to overgrowth of antibiotic resistant organisms; (2) directantibiotic toxicity, particularly with prolonged use which can result indamage to kidneys, liver and neural tissue depending upon the type ofantibiotic; (3) development of antibiotic resistant microbialpopulations which defy further treatment by antibiotics.

B. Difficult-to-Treat Dermal Disorders Other than Wounds, Burns,Abrasions and Infections

While even minor wounds and abscesses can be difficult to treat incertain patients and/or under certain conditions, there are well knowndermal disorders such as psoriasis and dermal ulcerations, which presentparticular challenges for successful treatment.

i. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin disorder that most commonly appears asinflamed swollen skin lesions covered with silvery white scale. Thismost common type of psoriasis is called “plaque psoriasis”. Psoriasiscomes in many different variations and degrees of severity. Differenttypes of psoriasis display characteristics such as pus-like blisters(pustular psoriasis), severe sloughing of the skin (erythrodermicpsoriasis), drop-like dots (guttate psoriasis) and smooth inflamedlesions (inverse psoriasis).

The cause of psoriasis is not presently known, though it is generallyaccepted that it has a genetic component, and it has recently beenestablished that it is an autoimmune skin disorder. Approximately one inthree people report a family history of psoriasis, but there is nopattern of inheritance. There are many cases in which children with noapparent family history of the disease will develop psoriasis.

The occurrence of psoriasis in any individual may depend on someprecipitating event or “trigger factor”. Examples of “trigger factors”believed to affect the occurrence of psoriasis include systemicinfections such as strep throat, injury to the skin (the Koebnerphenomenon), vaccinations, certain medications, and intramuscularinjections or oral steroid medications. Once something triggers aperson's genetic tendency to develop psoriasis, it is thought that inturn, the immune system triggers the excessive skin cell reproduction.

Skin cells are programmed to follow two possible programs: normal growthor wound healing. In a normal growth pattern, skin cells are created inthe basal cell layer, and then move up through the epidermis to thestratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. Dead cells are shedfrom the skin at about the same rate as new cells are produced,maintaining a balance. This normal process takes about 28 days from cellbirth to death. When skin is wounded, a wound healing program istriggered, also known as regenerative maturation. Cells are produced ata much faster rate, theoretically to replace and repair the wound. Thereis also an increased blood supply and localized inflammation. In manyways, psoriatic skin is similar to skin healing from a wound or reactingto a stimulus such as infection.

Lesional psoriasis is characterized by cell growth in the alternategrowth program. Although there is no wound at a psoriatic lesion, skincells (called “keratinocytes”) behave as if there is. Thesekeratinocytes switch from the normal growth program to regenerativematuration. Cells are created and pushed to the surface in as little as2-4 days, and the skin cannot shed the cells fast enough. The excessiveskin cells build up and form elevated, scaly lesions. The white scale(called “plaque”) that usually covers the lesion is composed of deadskin cells, and the redness of the lesion is caused by increased bloodsupply to the area of rapidly dividing skin cells.

Although there is no known cure for psoriasis, various treatments havebeen demonstrated to provide temporary relief in some patients. However,the effectiveness of the currently accepted treatments for psoriasis issubject to considerable individual variation. As a result, patients andtheir physicians may have to experiment and/or combine therapies inorder to discover the regimen that is most effective. The currentlyavailable treatments for psoriasis are often administered in step-wisefashion. Step 1 treatments include a) topical medications (e.g., topicalsteroids, topical retinoids), b) systemic steroids, c) coal tar, d)anthralin, e) vitamin D3, and sunshine. Step 2 treatments include a)phototherapy (e.g., ultraviolet radiation), b) photochemotherapy (e.g.,a combination of a topically applied radiation-activated agent followedby radiation to activate the agent) and c) combination therapy. Step 3treatments include a) systemic drug therapies such as methotrexate, oralretinoids and cyclosporin and b) rotational therapy.

ii. Dermal Ulcerations

Dermal ulcerations are known to occur as a result of pressure, wear, orprimary/secondary vascular disorders. Dermal ulcerations are generallyclassified according to their etiology, as follows:

a. Decubitus/Pressure Ulcers

A decubitus ulcer or pressure sore is a lesion caused by unrelievedpressure resulting in damage of the underlying tissue. Decubitus ulcersusually develop over a bony prominence such as the elbow or hip. Theunrelieved pressure, along with numerous contributing factors, leads tothe skin breakdown and persistent ulcerations.

b. Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers may result from trauma or develop after chronic venousinsufficiency (CVI). In CVI, venous valves do not close completely,allowing blood to flow back from the deep venous system through theperforator veins into the superficial venous system. Over time, theweight of this column of blood causes fluid and protein to exude intosurrounding tissues, resulting in swollen, hyperpigmented ankles, tissuebreakdown, and ulceration. Venous ulcers may be shallow or extend deepinto muscle.

c. Arterial Ulcers

Leg ulcers also can develop in patients with arterial insufficiencycaused by arterial vessel compression or obstruction, vessel wallchanges, or chronic vasoconstriction. Smokers face an especially highrisk of arterial disease because nicotine constricts arteries,encourages deposits of atherosclerotic plaque, and exacerbatesinflammatory arterial disease (Buerger's disease) and vasoconstrictivedisease (Raynaud's disease or phenomenon). Arterial ulcers, caused bytrauma to an ischemic limb, can be very painful.

d. Diabetic Ulcers

Arterial insufficiency can be the cause of a nonhealing ulcer in apatient with diabetes. However, most diabetic ulcers result fromdiabetic neuropathy—because the patient cannot feel pain in his foot, heis unaware of injuries, pressure from too-tight shoes, or repetitivestress that can lead to skin breakdown.

There remains a need in the art for the formulation and development ofnew disinfectants and topically applicable preparations for thetreatment of dermal disorders, such as wounds, burns, abrasions,infections, ulcerations, psoriasis and acne.

C. Contact Lens Soaking and Disinfection.

Whenever a contact lens is removed from an eye, it should be placed in asoaking and disinfecting solution until it is worn again. Soaking anddisinfecting solutions have the following functions:

-   -   1. Assist in cleaning the lens of ocular secretions after the        lens is removed form the eye;    -   2. To prevent eye infections by a bacterial contaminated lens;        and    -   3. To maintain the state of hydrated equilibrium, which the lens        achieves while it is being worn.

D. Contact Lens Cleaning.

During lens wear mucus material, lipids and proteins accumulate oncontact lenses, making lens wear uncomfortable due to irritation,burning sensation, and redness. Accordingly, vision becomes blurry. Toalleviate the discomforting problem, the soft or rigid contact lensesshould be taken out of the eye, to be cleaned and disinfected regularly,using an enzymatic cleaner and a disinfecting solution. One of theserious complications associated with soft lenses can be a GiantPapillary Conjunctivitis (GPC). It is believed to be that the occurrenceof the giant papillary conjunctivitis is mostly due to an inflammatoryreaction associated with soft contact lens complication. This is almostalways caused by protein deposits on contact lenses. GPC producessymptoms ranging from asymptomatic to itching, upper eye-lid edema, redeye, mucoid discharge, progressive contact lens intolerance. Thein-the-eye cleaner of the present invention effectively cleans theprotein deposits and maintains corneal epithelial cells healthy bykeeping the corneal surface from microbial infection as well as bysupplying molecular oxygen. Thereby, it provides convenience andbenefits to both soft and rigid contact lens wearers.

E. Treatment of Ophthalmic Disorders.

i. Dry Eye

Dry eye is a syndrome in which tear production is inadequate or tearcomposition is inappropriate to properly wet the cornea and conjunctiva.A variety of disorders of the ocular tears causes sensations of drynessof the eyes, discomfort of presence of a foreign object to occur in theeye. In most instances, the tear film loses its normal continuity andbreaks up rapidly so that it cannot maintain its structure during theinterval between spontaneous blinks. All of those tear abnormalities mayhave multiple causes. Perhaps the most common form of dry eye is due toa decreased aqueous component in the tears. Untreated dry eye can befurther deteriorated to produce more severe epithelial erosion, strandsof epithelial cells, and local dry spots on the cornea, which can befurther complicated by microbial infection. In its mild form, however, afeeling of dryness and irritation of the eye can be solved withartificial tears. Thus, artificial tear solution which has a broadspectrum antimicrobial activity with corneal lubricating property, canprovide not only comfort but also beneficial effects on recovery ofdamaged corneal surface.

ii. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Airborne or hand borne allergens usually produce allergic conjunctivitisdue to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. It presents itching,tearing, dry and sticky eyes, including lid-swelling, conjunctivalhyperemia, papillary reaction, chemosin, and ropy mucoid discharge. Thepresence of hyaluronic acid in the tear, which is included in theformulation of artificial tear, would protect corneal surface fromcontacting the allergens. The broad spectrum antimicrobial agent of thepresent invention keeps the corneal surface from bacterial infection andalso maintains the corneal epithelial cells healthy by supplyingmolecular oxygen. Thus, it provides beneficial effects on the eyessensitive to allergens.

iii. Bacterial Invasion

Bacterial keratitis is one of the leading causes of blindness in theworld. In the United States, an estimated 30,000 cases occur annually,with the popularity of contact lens wear having contributed to a risingincidence in the developed world. Statistical investigation indicatesthat about 30 of every 100,000 contact lens wearers develop ulcerativekeratitis annually in the United States, thus making the disease asignificant public health issue in view of potential blindness that canoccur. While eyelids, blinking of the eyelids, and corneal andconjunctival epithelial cells provide barriers to microbial invasion,one or more of these defense mechanisms can become compromised. Suchcompromises can include lid abnormalities, exposure of the cornealsurface, poor tear production, epithelial problems, medication toxicity,trauma, and incisional surgery. Ocular manifestations of bacterialkeratitis are found in staphylococcus and streptococcus infections thattend to cause severe infiltration and necrosis which over time can leadto perforation. Pseudomonal keratitis tends to progress rapidly. Thisorganism produces destructive enzymes, such as protease, lipase, andelastase, and exotoxins, which result in necrotic ulceration andperforation. Serratia keratitis starts as a superficial para-centralulcer, with the secretion of exotoxins and protease which can produceaggressive ulceration and perforation. In order for the bacterialkeratitis to become established, microbial adhesions must bind to hostcell receptors. Once this attachment has occurred, the destructiveprocess of inflammation, necrosis, and angiogenesis can ensue.

Present treatment for bacterial keratitis relies primarily upon the useof broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. Such antibiotics includesulfonamides, trimethaprin, and quinolones. Also included arebeta-lactams, penicillins, cephalasporins, aminoglycosides,tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin. While such antibioticsare in wide spread use, they can also become misused where antibioticresistant pathogens emerge. Additionally, antibiotics only halt theproliferation of bacteria, but do not inhibit the activity of proteaseenzymes, endotoxins, or exotoxins. As is therefore apparent, asignificant need is present for a bactericidal agent that addresses theproliferation of not only bacteria, but also protease enzymes,endotoxins and exotoxins.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention provides antimicrobial preparations (e.g.,solutions, gels, ointments, creams, etc.) for disinfection of articlesor surfaces (e.g., contact lenses, counter tops, etc.), antisepsis ofskin or other body parts, prevention or minimization of scarring, and/ortreatment or prophylaxis of dermal (i.e., skin or mucous membrane)disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, cold sores, ulcerations,psoriasis, scar forming lesions, acne), and the treatment of ophthalmicdisorders (e.g., infection, inflammation, dry eye, allergicconjunctivitis, and wound healing). The antimicrobial preparations ofthis invention generally comprise from about 0.001% to about 0.20% byweight of a metal chlorite in combination with from 0.001% to 0.05% of aperoxy compound such as hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, thechlorite/peroxide preparations of the present invention may containadditional components such as polymeric lubricants and surfactants,and/or may be formulated in a polymeric drug delivery system orliposomal preparation. The chlorite/peroxide preparations of the presentinvention have broad antimicrobial activity, including for exampleactivity against gram negative and gram positive bacteria, yeasts andfungi. Moreover, when applied or administered to treat dermal disorders(e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, acne and psoriasis), thechlorite/peroxide preparations of the present invention will not onlyprevent or lessen microbial infection, but will additionally provideoxygen to the affected tissue, assist in healing and deter scarformation.

Further, in accordance with the invention, there are provided methodsfor disinfection of items (e.g., contact lenses) and methods fortreatment of dermal disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections,ulcerations and psoriasis) by application or administration of achlorite/peroxide preparation of the present invention. With respect tocontact lens disinfecting solution, as well as product formulations thatwill clean contact lenses in the eye without removing the lenses fromthe eye for cleaning, the concentration of the metal chlorite is betweenabout 0.002% to about 0.20%. With respect to in-eye application, thepresent bactericidal product is a sterile, isotonic, buffered, clear,colorless solution that additionally contains polymeric lubricant andsurfactant. The product has a two-year shelf life when stored in acontainer (e.g., a white opaque plastic bottle) at room temperature as astabilized peroxy chloral complex of chlorite and peroxide.

In addition, the invention includes product formulations shown to haveefficacy in the treatment of dry eye, wound healing, and allergicconjunctivitis.

Further in accordance with the invention, there are provided methods fordeterring scar formation by application or administration of achlorite/peroxide preparation of the present invention.

Further, in accordance with the invention, there are provided productformulations shown to have supra-additive efficacy in broad spectrumantimicrobial activity.

Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, there are providedmethods for deterring eye infections, eye perforations and inflammationby application or administration of a chlorite/peroxide preparation ofthe present invention.

Further aspects and objects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description and the examples set forth therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph demonstrating the non-production of chlorine dioxideat room temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at pH level 7.3;

FIG. 2 is a graph demonstrating the non-production of chlorine dioxideat room temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at pH level 8.0;

FIG. 3 is a graph demonstrating the non-production of chlorine dioxideat room temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at pH level 8.8;

FIG. 4 is a graph demonstrating the non-production of chlorine dioxideat room temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at pH level 7.0;

FIG. 5 is a graph demonstrating the non-production of chlorine dioxideat room temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at pH level 6.44;

FIG. 6 is a graph demonstrating the non-production of chlorine dioxideat room temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at pH level 6.0; and

FIG. 7 is a graph demonstrating the production of chlorine dioxide atroom temperature in the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention at a pH level of 1.5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and examples are provided for thepurpose of describing certain exemplary embodiments of the inventiononly, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in anyway.

The present invention provides preparations which contain chlorite(e.g., a metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite) in combination with asmall amount of hydrogen peroxide in neutral aqueous (pH 5.0-8.8,preferably pH 7.0-7.8, and more preferably pH 7.0-7.4) solution. Thesepreparations exhibit synergistic antimicrobial activity withoutgenerating chlorine dioxide during storage at room temperature, therebyrendering the stability of these solutions acceptable for pharmaceuticaluse. For example, an aqueous solution containing 400 ppm chlorite plus100 ppm hydrogen peroxide remains stable beyond 18 months at roomtemperature, and is effective to reduce Candida albicans activity by 1.0log within six hours of challenge, even though the individual componentsof such solution are ineffective when applied separately at the sameconcentrations to reduce Candida albicans activity. Additionally, thehydrogen peroxide present within the chlorite/peroxide solutions of thepresent invention readily decomposes into molecular oxygen and water,upon contact with the peroxidase and catalase enzymes present in tissueand/or some body fluids. Such in situ generation of molecular oxygencontributes to cell vitality and enhances wound healing.

The chlorite/H₂O₂ solutions of the present invention are sufficientlystable to be formulated in combination with polymeric lubricants(non-ionic and/or anionic; e.g., HPMC, Methocel, CMC, hyaluronic acid,etc.,) and/or in combination with block polymer based surfactants (e.g.,pluronics). For example, an aqueous chlorite/hydrogen peroxide systemcan be formulated together with methocel or hyaluronic acid as alubricant and pluronics as a surfactant for contact lens disinfectantsolution (viscosity up to 50 cps at 25 degrees C.) in an ophthalmicallyacceptable tonicity (e.g., osmolality of at least about 200 mOsmol/kg)and a buffer to maintain the pH of the formulation within an acceptablephysiological range. The formulation of the contact lens disinfectionsolution, artificial tear solution, and in-eye cleaner solution,contains chlorite preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.06weight/volume percent and hydrogen peroxide preferably from about 0.0002to about 0.05 weight/volume percent. Again, the presence of hydrogenperoxide provides the beneficial oxygen molecule to the cornea uponcontact with catalase in the tear.

A. Formulations

The chlorite/peroxide preparations of the present invention may beformulated in various ways, including liquid solutions, gels, ointments,creams, sprays, etc. Set forth herebelow are a few examples of the typesof specific formulations which may be prepared in accordance with thisinvention.

i. Stable Chlorite/Peroxide Liquid Solutions

The following Formula 1 is a first preferred formulation of a liquidchlorite/peroxide solution of the present invention:

FORMULA 1 Sodium Chlorite 0.005%-0.10% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.005%-0.05%Methocel A 0.05%-0.2% Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium Chloride 0.75% PluronicF-68/F-127  0.1% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH 7.4 Purified water Q.S. to volume

The following Formula 2 is a second preferred formulation of a liquidchlorite/peroxide solution of the present invention:

FORMULA 2 Sodium Chlorite 0.05% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.02% CarboxymethylCellulose 0.01% Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium Chloride 0.75% PluronicF-68/F-127  0.1% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH 7.3 Purified water Q.S. to volume

The chlorite/peroxide solutions of the present invention, such as thesolution of the above-shown preferred formulation, may be used for avariety of medical and non-medical applications including but notnecessarily limited to a) disinfection of articles and surfaces such ascontact lenses, medical/dental instruments, counter tops, treatmenttables, combs and brushes, etc.; antisepsis of skin or body parts (e.g.,a disinfectant hand wash, antiseptic facial scrub, etc.,) and b)treatment or prophylaxis of dermal (i.e., skin or mucous membrane)disorders such as wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, cold sores,psoriasis, acne, and c) deterrence or prevention of scar formation, andd) treatment of ophthalmic disorders (e.g., infections or inflammationscaused by bacterial keratitis).

As pointed out earlier, the chlorite/hydrogen peroxide system of thepresent invention is sufficiently stable to be formulated in a polymericgel form or in a paste form. Furthermore, such polymeric gel or pasteformulation can contain polymers which delay or control the release ofthe chlorite/hydrogen peroxide (e.g., a sustained release deliverysystem). Such sustained release formulations provide outstandingbenefits of increasing therapeutic index by maintaining the effectiveconcentration of chlorite/H₂0₂ for a prolonged time on the injuredsites, by preventing the injured sites from external microbialcontamination by forming a seal over the injured sites, and by providingoxygen molecule to the injured tissues. Unlike the conventionalointment, the polymeric gel provides a dry, clean, and comfortablecoating on the injured sites upon application. Such gel formulations maycontain polymeric drug delivery vehicles like hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulase (Methocel),hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethylcellulose(CMC), etc.

ii. A Stable Chlorite/Peroxide Gel

The following Formula 3 is a presently preferred formulation of achlorite/peroxide gel of the present invention:

FORMULA 3 Sodium Chlorite 0.02%-0.10% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.005%-0.05% Methocel A  2.0% Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium Chloride 0.75% PluronicF-68/F-127  0.1% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH 7.4 Purified water Q.S. to volume

Any of the preparations of the present invention may be formulated forsustained release of the active components by forming liposomes of thepreparing in accordance with well known liposomal forming techniquesand/or by adding to the formulation a pharmaceutically acceptable andeffective amount (e.g., typically 1-20 percent by weight) of a sustainedrelease component such as a polymer matrix or one or more of thefollowing:

-   -   a cellulose ester;    -   hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose;    -   methylhydroxyethyl cellulose;    -   hydroxypropyl cellulose;    -   hydroxyethyl cellulose;    -   carboxymethyl cellulose;    -   a salt of a cellulose ester;    -   cellulose acetate;    -   hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate;    -   methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer;    -   methacrylic acid-ethyl acetate copolymer;    -   polyvinylpyrolidone;    -   polyvinyl alcohol;    -   hyaluronic acid;    -   a phospholipid;    -   cholesterol;    -   a phospholipid having a neutral charge;    -   a phospholipid having a negative charge;    -   dipalmytoyl phoshatidyl choline;    -   dipalmytoyl phoshatidyl serine; and,    -   sodium salts thereof.

iii. A Stable Chlorite/Peroxide Ophthalmic Solution

The following Formula 4 is a presently preferred formulation of achlorite/peroxide contact lens disinfecting solution for use in cleaningcontact lenses residing in or out of the eye. The formulationadditionally functions as a tear product for lubrication in dry-eyesubjects.

FORMULA 4 Sodium Chlorite 0.002%-0.20% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.005%-0.05%Hyaluronic Acid 0.001%-0.50% Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium Chloride 0.75%Pluronic 127 0.05%-2.0% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH to 7.4 Purified Water Q.S.to Volume

As indicated earlier, the chlorite/peroxide preparation of the presentinvention, whether it be in the form of liquid solution, gel, ointment,cream, spray, etc., is specifically composed to maintain chlorite suchas sodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients at a pHrange of 5.0-8.8 without generating chlorine dioxide during storage atroom temperature. By way of illustration, multiple experiments wereconducted on the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution inaccordance with Formula 2 at different levels of pH within the specifiedrange. However, it should be expressly stated herein that suchexperimentations should in no way be limited to liquid solution formsonly, but are performed to illustrate the non-production of chlorinedioxide in the various forms of the present chlorite/peroxidepreparation at different pH levels.

The following experimentations were designed to demonstrate thestability of chlorite such as sodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxideantibacterial formulation at neutral, basic and acidic levels of pH.More specifically, the quantitative levels of sodium chlorite and thegeneration of chlorine dioxide were determined at the pH levels of 7.3,8.0, 8.8, 7.0, 6.44 and 6.0. 0.1 Normal hydrochloric acid solution and0.1 Normal sodium hydroxide solution were applied to adjust the pHlevels in the experimentations. Sterile 0.9% sodium chloride sterilesolution was also applied. A placebo solution with the followingformulation was further applied in a spectrophotometer (e.g., Lambda 20Model UV-Vis. spectrophotometer) to find and measure the levels ofsodium chlorite and the generation of chlorine dioxide at varying pHlevels:

Placebo Solution Hydrogen Peroxide 0.02% Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.01%Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium Chloride 0.75% Pluronic F-68/F-127  0.1% HCl orNaOH Adjust pH 7.3 Purified water Q.S. to volume

Experiment 1: pH Level of 7.3

Experiment: Fill the first cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe itclean, and place the cuvette in the standard beam path of thespectrophotometer. Fill the second cuvette with the liquid sodiumchlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution, wipe it clean and place the cuvettein the sample beam path of the spectrophotometer. Scan the solutionsfrom 200 nm to 400 nm and record the results. Plot and printout theresults, as illustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 1.

Result: The liquid solution contained sodium chlorite and hydrogenperoxide as active ingredients, as well as buffering and tonicity agentsat the pH level of 7.3. The placebo solution contained hydrogen peroxideas active ingredient, as well as buffering and tonicity agents at the pHlevel of 7.3.

Hydrogen peroxide does not absorb in the 200 nm to 400 nm range.Therefore, as seen in FIG. 1, absorption peaks for hydrogen peroxidewere not detected.

Sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorinedioxide which is a degradation product of sodium chlorite has anabsorption maximum at 355 nm-358 nm.

Scanning the solutions that have a pH of 7.3 between the 200 nm and 400nm will give a quantitative value for sodium chlorite as well aschlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solutiondoes show sodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show any chlorinedioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm.

This clearly indicates that at pH level of 7.3, the liquid sodiumchlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution has only sodium chlorite, and doesnot contain any quantities of chlorine dioxide. This is a clearindication that sodium chlorite is stable at pH level of 7.3, and thesodium chlorite is not breaking up and forming the chlorine dioxide.

Experiment 2: pH Level of 8.0

Experiment: Dispense 25 mL. of the placebo solution and 25 mL. of theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution into 2 cleancontainers. Add 0.1 Normal sodium hydroxide solution to each containerso as to adjust the pH of both the placebo solution as well as theliquid solution to a pH level of 8.0.

Fill one of the cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe it clean, andplace the cuvette in the standard beam path of the spectrophotometer.Fill the second cuvette with the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogenperoxide solution, wipe it clean and place the cuvette in the samplebeam path of the spectrophotometer. Scan the solutions from 200 nm to400 nm and record the results. Plot and printout the results, asillustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 2.

Result: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution containedsodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 8.0. The placebosolution contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 8.0.

As mentioned shortly above, hydrogen peroxide does not absorb in the 200nm to 400 nm range. Therefore, as seen in FIG. 2, absorption peaks forhydrogen peroxide were not detected. As also mentioned above, sodiumchlorite has an absorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorine dioxidewhich is a degradation product of sodium chlorite has an absorptionmaximum at 355 nm-358 nm.

Scanning the solutions that have a pH level of 8.0 between the 200 nmand 400 nm will give a quantitative value for sodium chlorite as well aschlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solutiondoes show sodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show any chlorinedioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm. This clearly indicates that at the pHlevel of 8.0, the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution hasonly sodium chlorite, and does not contain any quantities of chlorinedioxide. This is a clear indication that sodium chlorite is stable atthe pH level of 8.0, and the chlorite is not breaking up and formingchlorine dioxide.

Experiment 3: pH Level of 8.8

Dispense 25 mL. of the placebo solution and 25 mL. of the liquid sodiumchlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution into 2 clean containers. Add 0.1Normal sodium hydroxide solution to each container so as to adjust thepH of both the placebo solution as well as the liquid solution to a pHlevel of 8.8.

Fill one of the cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe it clean, andplace the cuvette in the standard beam path of the spectrophotometer.Fill the second cuvette with the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogenperoxide solution, wipe it clean and place the cuvette in the samplebeam path of the spectrophotometer. Scan the solutions from 200 nm to400 nm and record the results. Plot and printout the results, asillustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 3.

Result: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution containedsodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 8.8. The placebosolution contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 8.8.

As already discussed, hydrogen peroxide does not absorb in the 200 nm to400 nm range. Therefore, as seen in FIG. 3, absorption peaks forhydrogen peroxide were not detected. As also discussed, sodium chloritehas an absorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorine Dioxide which is adegradation product of sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 355nm-358 nm.

Scanning the solutions that have a pH level of 8.8 between the 200 nmand 400 nm will give a quantitative value for sodium chlorite as well aschlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solutiondoes show sodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show any chlorinedioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm. This clearly indicates that at the pHlevel of 8.8, the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution hasonly sodium chlorite, and does not contain any quantities of chlorinedioxide. This is a clear indication that sodium chlorite is stable atthe pH level of 8.8, and the chlorite is not breaking up and formingchlorine dioxide.

Experiment 4: pH Level of 7.0

Experiment: Dispense 25 mL. of the placebo solution and 25 mL. of theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution into 2 cleancontainers. Add 0.1 Normal hydrochloric acid solution to each containerso as to adjust the pH of both the placebo solution as well as theliquid solution to a pH level of 7.0.

Fill one of the cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe it clean, andplace the cuvette in the standard beam path of the spectrophotometer.Fill the second cuvette with the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogenperoxide solution, wipe it clean and place the cuvette in the samplebeam path of the spectrophotometer. Scan the solutions from 200 nm to400 nm and record the results. Plot and printout the results, asillustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 4.

Result: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution containedsodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 7.0. The placebosolution contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 7.0. Hydrogen peroxidedoes not absorb in the 200 nm to 400 nm range. Therefore, as seen inFIG. 4, absorption peaks for hydrogen peroxide were not detected.

Sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorinedioxide which is a degradation product of sodium chlorite has anabsorption maximum at 355 nm-358 nm. Scanning the solutions that have apH of 7.0 between the 200 nm and 400 nm will give a quantitative valuefor sodium chlorite as well as chlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation: The sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution does showsodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show any chlorine dioxidepeak at 355 nm-358 nm. This clearly indicates that at the pH level of7.0, the liquid solution has only sodium chlorite, and does not containany quantities of chlorine dioxide. This is a clear indication thatsodium chlorite is stable at pH of 7.0, and the chlorite is not breakingup and forming chlorine dioxide.

Experiment 5: pH Level of 6.44

Experiment: Dispense 25 mL. of the placebo solution and 25 mL. of theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution into 2 cleancontainers. Add 0.1 Normal hydrochloric acid solution to each containerso as to adjust the pH of both the placebo solution as well as theliquid solution to a pH level of 6.44.

Fill one of the cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe it clean, andplace the cuvette in the standard beam path of the spectrophotometer.Fill the second cuvette with the liquid solution, wipe it clean andplace the cuvette in the sample beam path of the spectrophotometer. Scanthe solutions from 200 nm to 400 nm and record the results. Plot andprintout the results, as illustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 5.

Result: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution containedsodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 6.44.

The placebo solution contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient,as well as buffering and tonicity agents at pH=6.44. Hydrogen peroxidedoes not absorb in the 200 nm to 400 nm range, and thus no absorptionpeaks for hydrogen peroxide were detected. Sodium chlorite has anabsorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorine dioxide which is adegradation product of sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 355nm-358 nm.

Scanning the solutions that have a pH of 6.44 between the 200 nm and 400nm will give a quantitative value for sodium chlorite as well aschlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solutiondoes show sodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show any chlorinedioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm. This clearly indicates that at pH of6.44, the liquid solution has only sodium chlorite, and does not containany quantities of chlorine dioxide. This is a clear indication thatsodium chlorite is stable at pH of 6.44, and the chlorite is notbreaking up and forming chlorine dioxide.

Experiment 6: pH Level of 6.0

Experiment: Dispense 25 mL. of the placebo solution and 25 mL. of theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution into 2 cleancontainers. Add 0.1 Normal hydrochloric acid solution to each containerso as to adjust the pH of both the placebo solution as well as theliquid solution to a pH level of 6.0.

Fill one of the cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe it clean, andplace the cuvette in the standard beam path of the spectrophotometer.Fill the second cuvette with the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogenperoxide solution, wipe it clean and place the cuvette in the samplebeam path of the spectrophotometer. Scan the solutions from 200 nm to400 nm and record the results. Plot and printout the results, asillustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 6.

Result: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution containedsodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 6.0. The placebosolution contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH level of 6.0. Hydrogen peroxidedoes not absorb in the 200 nm to 400 nm range. Therefore, as seen inFIG. 6, absorption peaks for hydrogen peroxide were not detected.

Sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorinedioxide which is a degradation product of sodium chlorite has anabsorption maximum at 355 nm-358 nm. Scanning the solutions that have apH of 6.0 between the 200 nm and 400 nm will give a quantitative valuefor sodium chlorite as well as chlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation: The sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution does showsodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show any chlorine dioxidepeak at 355 nm-358 nm. This clearly indicates that at pH level of 6.0,the liquid solution has only sodium chlorite, and does not contain anyquantities of chlorine dioxide. This is a clear indication that sodiumchlorite is stable at pH of 6.0, and the chlorite is not breaking up andforming chlorine dioxide.

Experiment 7: pH Level of 1.5

Experiment: Dispense 25 mL. of the placebo solution and 25 mL. of theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution into 2 cleancontainers. Add 0.1 Normal hydrochloric acid solution to each containerso as to adjust the pH of both the placebo solution as well as thebactericidal solution to a pH of 1.5.

Fill one of the cuvette with the placebo solution, wipe it clean, andplace the cuvette in the standard beam path of the spectrophotometer.Fill the second cuvette with the liquid solution, wipe it clean andplace the cuvette in the sample beam path of the spectrophotometer. Scanthe solutions from 200 nm to 400 nm and record the results. Plot andprintout the results, as illustrated in the graph shown in FIG. 7.

Result: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution containedsodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at pH of 1.5. The placebo solutioncontained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient, as well as bufferingand tonicity agents at pH of 1.5. As explained earlier, hydrogenperoxide does not absorb in the 200 nm to 400 nm range, and as such, noabsorption peaks for hydrogen peroxide were detected.

Also explained earlier, sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 260nm, while chlorine dioxide which is a degradation product of sodiumchlorite has an absorption maximum at 355 nm-358 nm. Scanning thesolutions that have a pH of 1.5 between the 200 nm and 400 nm will givea quantitative value for sodium chlorite as well as chlorine dioxide inthe same scan.

Interpretation: The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solutiondoes not show sodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, but does show a largechlorine dioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm. This clearly indicates that atthe pH level of 1.5, the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxidesolution does not have any sodium chlorite. Rather, it clearly showsthat the sodium chlorite has been degraded and converted to chlorinedioxide. This is a clear indication that at pH of 1.5, sodium chloriteis very unstable, and all chlorite that is present in the liquidsolution is converted to chlorine dioxide.

Results for Experiments 1-7

The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution contained sodiumchlorite and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients, as well asbuffering and tonicity agents at the pH levels of 1.5, 6.0, 6.44, 7.0,7.3, 8.0 and 8.8.

The placebo solution contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient,as well as buffering and tonicity agents at the pH levels of 1.5, 6.0,6.44, 7.0, 7.3, 8.0 and 8.8.

Hydrogen peroxide does not absorb in the 200 nm to 400 nm range.

Sodium chlorite has an absorption maximum at 260 nm, while chlorinedioxide has an absorption maximum at 355 nm-358 nm.

Scanning the solutions between the 200 nm and 400 nm gave a quantitativevalue for sodium chlorite as well as chlorine dioxide in the same scan.

Interpretation of Results for Experiments 1-7

The liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solutions at the pH levelsof 6.0, 6.44, 7.0, 7.3, 8.0 and 8.8 does show the presence of sodiumchlorite peak at 260 nm, but does not show the presence of chlorinedioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm.

In contrast, the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution at pHof 1.5 does not show the presence of sodium chlorite peak at 260 nm, butdoes show the presence of chlorine dioxide peak at 355 nm-358 nm.

Conclusion of Results for Experiments 1-7

The results clearly show that one can quantitatively determine the levelof sodium chlorite as well as chlorine dioxide which is present in theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution at the pH levels of1.5, 6.0, 6.44, 7.0, 7.3, 8.0 and 8.8.

The results also show that the storage of the liquid sodiumchlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution at about room temperature (e.g., ina white opaque bottle exposed to air at room temperature) does notproduce any chlorine dioxide as determined by the absence of anyabsorbance at 355 nm-358 nm.

In conclusion, the results of Experiments 1-7 clearly indicate that theliquid sodium chlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution retains sodiumchlorite at the pH range of 6.0-8.8 without the generation of chlorinedioxide. The liquid solution, however, degrades and generates chlorinedioxide upon the acidification of the solution to pH of 1.5. Thus, theseresults also strongly indicate that the liquid sodium chlorite/hydrogenperoxide solution does not contain chlorine dioxide when it ismanufactured, nor does the solution degrade to generate chlorine dioxideafter storage at about room temperature at the pH levels of 6.0, 6.44,7.0, 7.3, 8.0, or 8.8.

Furthermore, these results present clear evidence that the liquid sodiumchlorite/hydrogen peroxide solution of the present invention has itsbactericidal properties in the pH range studied due to the sodiumchlorite/ hydrogen peroxide and not due to chlorine dioxide. This isvery much unlike other prior art inventions that have sodium chlorite asa starting material as, but the active bactericide is the chlorinedioxide which is generated by the acidification of the sodium chlorite.

B. Examples of Therapeutic Applications

The following are specific examples of therapeutic applications of thechlorite/peroxide preparations of the present invention.

i. Example 1: Treatment of Psoriasis-No Crossover

A human patient having psoriasis plaques present on both arms is treatedas follows:

-   -   Twice daily application to plaques on the left arm only, of a        chlorite/peroxide solution having the following formulation:

Sodium Chlorite 0.06% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.01% HPMC  2.0% Boric Acid0.15% HCl or NaOH to adjust pH 7.4 Purified water Q.S. to volume

Twice daily application to plaques on the right arm only of acommercially available 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream.

The chlorite/peroxide treated psoriatic plaques on the right arm beganto become less severe within 24 hours of beginning treatment and hadsubstantially disappeared within three days of beginning treatment.However, the triamcinolone acetonide treated psoriatic plaques presenton the left arm remained unchanged and inflamed during the two weektreatment period.

ii. Example 2: Treatment of Psoriasis-Crossover

A human patient having psoriasis plaques present on both arms is treatedfor two weeks, as follows:

-   -   Twice daily application to plaques on the left arm only, of a        chlorite/peroxide solution having the following formulation:

Sodium Chlorite 0.06% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.01% HPMC  2.0% Boric Acid0.15% HCl or NaOH to adjust pH 7.4 Purified water Q.S. to volume/100%

Twice daily application to plaques on the right arm only of acommercially available 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream.

The chlorite/peroxide treated psoriatic plaques on the right arm beganto become less severe within 24 hours of beginning treatment and hadsubstantially disappeared within one week of beginning treatment.However, the triamcinolone acetonide treated psoriatic plaques presenton the left arm remained unchanged and inflamed during the two weektreatment period.

Beginning the day after the end of the initial two week treatmentperiod, and continuing for a second two week treatment period, thepatient was treated as follows:

Twice daily application to plaques on the left arm only of the samecommercially available 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream describedhereabove in this example.

Twice daily application to plaques on the right arm only, of the samechlorite/peroxide sustained release gel described hereabove in thisexample.

Within 24 hours of commencing the second treatment period, the psoriaticlesions on the right arm began to subside. By day three and continuingthrough the end of the second two week treatment period, the psoriaticlesions on the right arm had substantially disappeared.

iii. Example 3: Treatment of Cold Sores

A patient with painful, fluid-containing cold sores (i.e., chancresores) on his lips was treated twice daily by application to the lips ofa chlorite/peroxide preparation prepared in accordance with Formula 1above.

Within 6 to 12 hours of the first application of the chlorite/peroxidepreparation, the patient reported that the pain had subsided. Within 24hours of the first application of the chlorite/peroxide preparation, thefluid contained within the cold sores had substantially dissipated andthe cold sores appeared dry. Within six days of the first application ofthe chlorite/peroxide preparation the cold sores had substantiallydisappeared and the lips appeared normal, whereas cold sores of suchseverity typically require substantially longer than six days tocompletely disappear and heal.

iv. Example 4: Treatment of Venous Ulcer

A patient with a venous ulcer on the right leg of 3-4 cm diameter whichhad been present for 9-12 months was treated by twice daily applicationto the ulcer of gauze soaked with a chlorite/peroxide liquid solutionprepared in accordance with Formula 1 above.

Within three days after commencement of treatment the ulcer appearedclean and dry. Within 14 days of the commencement of treatment the ulcerbegan to decrease in size and healthy new tissue was observed about itsperiphery. At 35 days after commencement of treatment, the ulcer hadcompletely healed, without scarring, and the area where the ulcer hadbeen located was free of pain.

v. Example 5: Treatment of Diabetic Decubitus Ulcer

A non-ambulatory, diabetic patient with decubitus ulcers on both legsand some toes, of 12-18 month duration, was treated by daily applicationof clean, sterile gauze to the ulcers and saturation of each gauze,three times each day, with a liquid chlorite/peroxide solution preparedin accordance with Formula 1 above. Within four to seven days ofcommencing the chlorite/hydrogen peroxide treatments the ulcers began toappear less inflamed, clean and dry. About seven to ten days aftercommencement of the chlorite/hydrogen peroxide treatment, granulationtissue began to form within the ulcers. Within 12 to 14 days,re-epithelialization was observed to have begun within the ulceratedareas except for one toe ulcer which had been particularly severe andhad permeated to the bone of the toe. Within 30 to 45 days of thecommencement of treatment, all of the ulcers except for the severe toeulcer had completely closed and re-epithelialized, without irregularscar formation. Also, at 30 to 45 days after the commencement oftreatment, the toe ulcer had also become substantially smaller (but wasnot completely closed) and the patient was able to walk. The liquid andor gel formulations of the present invention, such as Formulas 1 and 2above, may also be applied topically to prevent scar formation due towounds, burns, acne, infections, trauma, surgical incision, or any otherscar-forming lesion or disorder.

vi. Example 6:

a. Treatment of Dry Eye Conditions

Subjects with dry eye conditions have itchy and scratchy eyes. Inextreme cases, the subjects have more serious problems that caninterfere with health maintenance. Subjects were treated with apreferred tear product of the following formulation:

Sodium Chlorite 0.005%-0.02% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.01% Methylcellulose A4M0.075%  Hyaluronic Acid  0.10%-0.125% Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium Chloride,USP 0.75% Pluronic 127 0.10% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH to 7.4 Purified WaterQ.S. to Volume

Testing of dry eye subjects with rose bengal stain or fluorescein givesa good indication regarding the condition of the corneal epithelialhealth, while rose bengal staining provides a good indication of thenumber of dead epithelial cells on the cornea as well as conjunctiva.

Two subjects with dry eye condition were tested with rose bengal stain,and the quantitative staining to the cornea and conjunctiva wasdocumented by photographs. The subjects started using the abovepreferred tear product at a dosage of two drops three times per day. Atthe end of two weeks, the two subjects were tested with rose bengalstain and the level of staining was quantitatively documented byphotography. The results showed a 50% to 70% reduction in rose bengalstaining, which clearly indicates that the preferred tear formulationwas ameliorating the corneal and conjunctival cells from dying.

In addition to an objective determination of the health of theepithelial cells, the two subjects were tested subjectively regardingthe safety and efficacy of the preferred tear product. First of all,slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the subjects during the two-week treatmentperiod did not show any redness, irritation, inflammation, or othersigns of discomfort. Second, the subjects indicated that the applicationof the tear product completely removed symptoms of redness, itching,scratching, pain, and dryness due to dry eye while providing lubricationthat lasted for several hours. It is therefore evident that the tearproduct exhibits both safety and efficacy in the treatment of dry eye.As is further recognized in view of the foregoing antimicrobial activityof such compositions, the tear product will also have efficacy inenhancing wound healing within the eye such as after surgery wherebacterial infections are to be avoided.

b. Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis

In addition to treating dry eye condition with the above preferred tearproduct, the product was also tested in the treatment of conditions fromallergic conjunctivitis. In particular, two subjects suffering fromallergic conjunctivitis including itchy, scratchy eyes with constanttearing applied two drops of the product three times per day. Thisdosage resulted in the disappearance of the symptoms.

C. Examples of Contact Lens Cleansing

i. Example 1: Soaking, Cleaning and Disinfecting

The following formulation is a preferred disinfecting solutionapplicable to the cleaning of contact lenses by conventional soaking.

Sodium Chlorite 0.05% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.02% Methylcellulose A4M0.075%  Hyaluronic Acid 0.05%-0.10% Boric Acid 0.15% Pluronic 1270.25%-0.50% Sodium Chloride USP 0.75% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH to 7.4Purified Water Q.S. to Volume

Six subjects using soft hydrophilic contact lenses soaked the lenses inthe above disinfecting solution and then placed the lenses directly intothe eyes. Soaking was performed nightly or on an as-needed basis. Allsix subjects reported that the lenses felt very comfortable, and that noadverse effects (e.g., burning, stinging, redness, pain) wereexperienced. Additionally, the solution extended the comfort and cleancondition of the lenses for several weeks beyond such extensionexperienced with other commercially available disinfecting solutions.

The disinfecting solution can be used with soft hydrophilic lenses ofvarying water content (e.g., 38% to 75%), as well as with siliconeacrylate rigid gas permeable lenses. Cycling studies of soft lensessoaked daily in the solution for 30 days showed no damage or change inthe physical and chemical characteristics of the lenses. Eye comfort, asearlier noted, is achieved through non-binding and non-accumulating ofpreservative in soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, while such bindingand accumulation can be found in certain currently commerciallyavailable formulations to cause irritation and discomfort.

ii. Example 2: Cleaning while Wearing

The following formulation is a preferred disinfecting in-eye solutionapplicable to the cleaning of contact lenses while they are being wornby introducing the solution into the eye:

Sodium Chlorite 0.02% Hydrogen Peroxide 0.01%-0.02% Methylcellulose A4M0.075%  Hyaluronic Acid 0.075%-0.10%  Boric Acid 0.15% Sodium ChlorideUSP 0.75% Pluronic 127 0.75% HCl or NaOH Adjust pH to 7.4 Purified WaterQ.S. to Volume

Four subjects applied two drops of the above in-eye solution three timesper day for 30 days to contact lenses while being worn. Examinations ofall of the subjects showed no irritation, burning, stinging, or adverseeffects of any kind. These subjects further reported that the solutionfelt soothing and lubricating.

Two subjects were involved in a comparative study where, first of all,they wore ACUVUE disposable lenses continuously for two weeks withoccasional removal and cleaning with commercially available cleaningsolutions followed with a saline rinse. After 14 days, the lenses becamevery gritty and uncomfortable, and were discarded. Second, the twosubjects started with new ACUVUE lenses and practiced daily applicationof the present in-eye solution three times per day without removing ortouching the lenses. These subjects were able to wear the lenses forthree to four weeks before replacement. Additionally, the inconvenienceof cleaning the lenses outside the eye was completely eliminated, as wasthe risk of lens loss, tearing, or contamination. It is thereforeevident that the present in-eye cleaning solution provides cleansingefficacy as well as convenience.

D. In-Vitro and In-Vivo Antimicrobial Efficacy

i. Synergistic Activity

Tables I and II compare the antimicrobial effects of (a) 400 ppm sodiumchlorite alone; (b) 200 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone; and (c) 400 ppmsodium chlorite and 200 ppm hydrogen peroxide in combination againstantibiotic-resistant strains of staphylococcus haemolyticus (Table I)and pseudomonas aeruginosa (Table II) both isolated from human infectedeyes. Tables I and II summarize the antimicrobial effects observed attime points one and two hours after introduction of the test solutions.

TABLE I (staphylococcus haemolyticus: Initial inoculum = 1.01 × 10⁷: Log7.03) Log Reduction Log Reduction NaClO₂ & H₂0₂ Time NaClO₂ alone H₂0₂alone (400 ppm & (hours) (400 ppm) (200 ppm) 200 ppm) 1 0.11 0.20 0.69 21.01 0.23 2.43

TABLE II (pseudomonas aeruginosa: Initial inoculum = 2.22 × 10⁶: Log6.35) Log Reduction Log Reduction NaClO₂ & H₂0₂ Time NaClO₂ alone H₂0₂alone (400 ppm & (hours) (400 ppm) (200 ppm) 200 ppm) 1 0.351 0.01 0.042 1.35 0.54 6.35

In the experiment summarized in Table I, sodium chlorite alone caused aLog reduction in staphylococcus haemolyticus bacteria of 0.11 at 1 hourand 1.01 at 2 hours. Hydrogen peroxide alone caused a Log reduction instaphylococcus haemolyticus bacteria of 0.20 at 1 hour and 0.23 at 2hours and the combination of sodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxidecaused a Log reduction in staphylococcus haemolyticus bacteria of 0.69at 1 hour and 2.43 at 2 hours. Thus, in this experiment, theantimicrobial effect of the sodium chlorite-hydrogen peroxidecombination was significantly greater than the sums of the effects ofthe sodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide alone, at least at the 2 hourtime point. Accordingly, it is concluded that the sodiumchlorite-hydrogen peroxide combination exhibited a supra-additive effectagainst the strain of staphylococcus haemolyticus used in thisexperiment.

In the experiment summarized in Table II, sodium chlorite along caused aLog reduction in pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria of 0.35 at 1 hour and1.35 at 2 hours. Hydrogen peroxide alone caused a Log reduction inpseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria of 0.01 at 1 hour and 0.54 at 2 hoursand the combination of sodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide caused aLog reduction in pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria 0.04 at 1 hour and 6.35at 2 hours. Thus, in this experiment, the antimicrobial effect of thesodium chlorite-hydrogen peroxide combination was significantly greaterthan the sums of the effects of the sodium chlorite and hydrogenperoxide alone, at least in the 2 hour time point. Accordingly, it isconcluded that the sodium chlorite-hydrogen peroxide combinationexhibited a supra-additive effect against the strain of pseudomonasaeruginosa used in this experiment.

ii. Animal Testing

S. haemolyticus keratitus was induced in respective right eyes of 12rabbits by dropping broth containing 50,000 CFU/ml of S. haemolyticusonto abraded corneas of these eyes. After 24 hours, all corneas werelikewise infected, and the rabbits were divided randomly into threegroups. The rabbits (five) of Group I then were treated with thechlorite-hydrogen peroxide formulation defined above as cleaning whilewearing contact lenses (here termed “Bactericide”); the rabbits (five)of Group II were treated with commercially available 0.3% ofloxacinantibiotic ophthalmic solution; and the rabbits (two) of Group III wereuntreated to serve as a control.

At 24 and 48 hours post infection, the rabbits underwent visual eyeexamination, photographic documentation and biomicroscopy. After 24hours of treatment, three animals each from Groups I and II and oneanimal from Group III were sacrificed. The eyes were enucleated and an 8mm disc of cornea was homogenized and plated onto growth media formicrobial isolation and quantification. After 48 hours of treatment, thesame procedure was followed for the remaining animals.

Tables III, IV and V summarize the results of this experimentation. Asis there apparent, the Bactericide of the present invention exhibitedsuperior overall results as compared to the competing commerciallyavailable regimens. The results therefore confirm that the clinicalefficacy of the Bactericide is better than the antibiotic treatment. Inaddition to having excellent bactericidal properties, it is demonstratedthat bactericide superiority is probably attributable to inactivation ofbacterial proteolytic enzymes (thus decreasing bacterial virulence) andinactivation of bacterial toxins responsible for inflammation andhyperemia.

TABLE III IN-VIVO ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY IN INFECTIOUS S. HAEMOLYTICUSKERATITIS IN RABBITS Post Group II Group III Treatment Group I 0.3%Untreated Time Bactericide Ofloxacin Control 24 hours i) 0 CFU i) 23,000CFU   39,000 CFU ii) 18,000 CFU ii) 5,000 CFU iii) 0 CFU iii) 11,000CFU  Average 6,000 CFU 13,000 CFU   39,000 CFU 48 hours i) 0 CFU i)5,000 CFU 231,000 CFU ii) 0 CFU ii) 5,200 CFU Average 0 CFU 5,100 CFU231,000 CFU

TABLE IV IN-VIVO CLINICAL EFFICACY IN INFECTIOUS S. HAEMOLYTICUSKERATITIS IN RABBITS Group I Group II Group III Time Bactericide 0.3%Ofloxacin Untreated Control 24 hours inflammation (+2) inflammation(+2)inflammation(+2) after hyperemia (+2) hyperemia (+2) hyperemia (+2)infection corneal corneal corneal edema (+2) edema (+2) edema (+2) 24hours inflammation (0) inflammation(+2) inflammation(+3) after hyperemia(0) hyperemia (+2) hyperemia (+3) treatment corneal corneal cornealedema (0) edema (+2) edema (+3) 48 hours inflammation (0)inflammation(+1) inflammation(+3) after hyperemia (0) hyperemia (+1)hyperemia (+3) treatment corneal corneal corneal edema (0) edema (+1)edema (+3)

TABLE V IN-VITRO INHIBITION OF PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME ACTIVITY Inhibition ofproteolytic enzyme activity of Trypsin and porcine pancreatic ElastaseConcentration % Inhibition of Enzyme of Bactericide Enzyme activityElastase (porcine) 0.18 ppm 46% Trypsin 0.12 ppm 28%

E. Ocular Tolerability and Degradation Speed

i. Ocular Tolerability of High Levels of Hydrogen Peroxide

Previously, it was believed that the upper limit of human oculartolerability of hydrogen peroxide is about 100 ppm (0.01 wt. %). SeePaugh, J. R., Brennan, N. A., and Efron, N., Ocular Response to HydrogenPeroxide, Am. J. Optom. Physiol. Opt. 1988 February; 65(2):91-8. Thefollowing experiments show, however, that when combined with sodiumchlorite, hydrogen peroxide is well tolerated by human eyes in levels upto 500ppm (0.05 wt. %). In all of the following experiments, thehydrogen peroxide was combined with 400 ppm (0.04 wt. %) of sodiumchlorite in 0.2% boric acid at pH 7.4 and filtered through a 0.2 μmAcrodisc syringe filter. Two drops of each formulation were then placedin the cul-de-sac of two normal human eyes. Upon instillation of thedrops, the subjects were instructed to close their eyelids. Thesubjects' ocular symptoms of the treated eyes were observed and gradedover a period of one hour post instillation, for burning and stingingsensation, pain, redness, tearing, itching, photopsia, photophobia,discharge, and foreign body sensation. The observations are presentedbelow.

TABLE VI Experiment 1: Human Ocular Response to 100 ppm of HydrogenPeroxide Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 60 time secondsminute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes Burning/Stinging 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign body 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

TABLE VII Experiment 2: Human Ocular Response to 200 ppm of HydrogenPeroxide Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 60 time secondsminute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes Burning/Stinging 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign body 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

TABLE VIII Experiment 3: Human Ocular Response to 300 ppm of HydrogenPeroxide Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 60 time secondsminute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes Burning/Stinging 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign body 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

TABLE IX Experiment 4: Human Ocular Response to 400 ppm of HydrogenPeroxide Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 60 time secondsminute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes Burning/Stinging 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign body 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

TABLE X Experiment 5: Human Ocular Response to 500 ppm of HydrogenPeroxide Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 60 time secondsminute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes Burning/Stinging 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign body 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

As can be seen from the above data, hydrogen peroxide levels up to 500ppm are very well tolerated by human eyes when in the presence of sodiumchlorite. There were no signs of irritation, inflammation, or any otheradverse effects associated with the instillation of the formulationscontaining up to 500 ppm hydrogen peroxide. These results show thathydrogen peroxide up to 500 ppm can be very safe and free of any adverseeffects to the human eye when used in conjunction with sodium chlorite.Furthermore as discussed above, an outstanding synergistic antimicrobialactivity has been discovered with formulations containing sodiumchlorite and hydrogen peroxide. Because the previous literature (SeePaugh) reported that human ocular tolerability of hydrogen peroxide isabout 100 ppm, it is believed that the sodium chlorite must bestabilizing the hydrogen peroxide by forming a kind of transient complexmolecule (e.g., peroxychlorite), which exhibits the excellentsynergistic antimicrobial activity and degrades to innocuous productslike water, oxygen, and salt upon contact with biological systems, aswill be discussed in greater detail below.

ii. Hydrogen Peroxide/Sodium Chlorite Degradation in the Eye

The following experiments were designed to determine the speed of selfdegradation of the hydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite formulation whenplaced in the human eye and to determine the level of ocularsymptomatology associated with the formulation when used in an “in theeye” contact lens cleaner product or an artificial tear product.

Experiment 1: “In the Eye” Contact Lens Cleaner

An “in the eye” contact lens cleaner containing 0.5 gcarboxymethylcellulose, 0.5 g pluronic, and 0.05 g hydrogenperoxide/sodium chlorite mixture in 100 mL sterile water was provided.The cleaner contained 400 ppm sodium chlorite and 100 ppm hydrogenperoxide for a total of 500 ppm hydrogen peroxide/sodium chloritemixture. Two drops of the cleaner were placed in the cul-de-sac of twonormal human eyes. Upon instillation of the drops, the subjects closedtheir eyelids and pressed their index finger on the medial cantus, so asto block the puncta and stop the tears going into the lachrymal duct.

At 30 second, 1 minute, 2 minute, and 3 minute intervals, the subjects'tear samples were obtained by placing a fresh peroxide test strip in thecul-de-sac of the subjects' eyes. The used peroxide test strips wereremoved from the eye and left to dry at room temperature for 15 minutes.At the completion of the drying period, the level of hydrogenperoxide/sodium chlorite material left in the tear was estimated bycomparing the color formed on the peroxide test strip to that of astandard color chart and recorded as shown below.

TABLE XI Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 time seconds minuteminutes minutes Level of 500 ppm >25 ppm 10 ppm 2 ppm 0.5 ppm hydrogenperoxide/sodium chlorite

The data presented above shows a rapid reduction in the level ofhydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite in the tear film of the treatedsubjects. The placing of the index finger on the medial cantus blocksthe puncta and does not allow the tears of the subjects to escape intothe lachrymal duct. In addition, the closing off the eyelids stops theblinking process and thus stops the pumping action of the tear removalfrom the treated eyes. As such, it would appear that the rapid reductionin the level of hydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite from the tears is notdue to the loss of the tears of the subjects into the lachrymal duct.Rather, it is believed that the reduction is due to the presence ofcatalase and superoxide desmutase enzymes in the tears of humansubjects. As the drops are placed in the eye of the patients, thecatalase and other enzymes start the rapid enzymatic degradation of thehydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite preparation, whereby in a matter of 3minutes the level in the tears of the treated subjects is almostundetectable. The results of this experiment tend to show that uponinstillation in the eye, the hydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite mixturebehaves like a self destructing preservative with the end products beingwater, oxygen, and sodium chloride.

Additionally, the ocular symptoms of the treated eyes were observed andgraded over a period of one hour post instillation for burning andstinging sensations, pain, redness, tearing, itching, photopsia,photophobia, discharge and for foreign body sensation as shown below.

TABLE XII Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 15 30 60 timeseconds minute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutesBurning/Stinging 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign Body 0 +0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

The above results show that the hydrogen peroxide/sodium chloritemixture is very well tolerated by the human eye without presenting anysigns of irritation, inflammation, or any other adverse effects.

Experiment 2: Artificial Tear Product

An artificial tear product containing 0.15 g sodium hyaluronate, 0.50 gprotector, and 0.06 g hydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite mixture in 100mL sterile water was provided. The artificial tear product contained 400ppm sodium chlorite and 200 ppm hydrogen peroxide for a total of 600 ppmhydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite mixture. Two drops of the cleaner wereplaced in the cul-de-sac of six normal human eyes. Upon instillation ofthe drops, the subjects closed their eyelids and pressed their indexfinger on the medial cantus, so as to block the puncta and stop thetears going into the lachrymal duct.

At zero second, 5 second, 20 second, 30 second, 60 second, 90 second,120 second, and 180 second intervals, the subjects' tear samples wereobtained by placing a fresh peroxide test strip in the cul-de-sac of thesubjects' eyes. The used peroxide test strips were removed from the eyeand left to dry at room temperature for 15 minutes. At the completion ofthe drying period, the level of hydrogen peroxide/sodium chloritematerial left in the tear was estimated by comparing the color formed onthe peroxide test strip to that of a standard color chart and recordedas shown below.

TABLE XIII Time post instillation Time 5 20 30 60 90 120 180 0 secondsseconds seconds seconds seconds seconds seconds Subject 1 150 ppm 60 ppm45 ppm 38 ppm Subject 2 75 ppm 38 ppm 38 ppm 23 ppm Subject 3 45 ppm 30ppm  8 ppm 15 ppm Subject 4  60 ppm 15 ppm 11 ppm 15 ppm Subject 5  60ppm 23 ppm  5 ppm Subject 6 150 ppm 75 ppm 30 ppm 17 ppm Average 600 ppm375 ppm 105 ppm 58 ppm 40 ppm 30 ppm 15 ppm 12 ppm

The data presented above shows a rapid reduction in the level ofhydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite in the tear film of the treatedsubjects. The placing of the index finger on the medial cantus blocksthe puncta and does not allow the tears of the subjects to escape intothe lachrymal duct. In addition, the closing off the eyelids stops theblinking process and thus stops the pumping action of the tear removalfrom the treated eyes. As such, it would appear that the rapid reductionin the level of hydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite from the tears is notdue to the loss of the tears of the subjects into the lachrymal duct.Rather, it is believed that the reduction is due to the presence ofcatalase and superoxide desmutase enzymes in the tears of humansubjects. As the drops are placed in the eye of the patients, thecatalase and other enzymes start the rapid enzymatic degradation of thehydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite preparation, whereby in a matter of 3minutes the level in the tears of the treated subjects is almostundetectable. The results of this experiment tend to show that uponinstillation in the eye, the hydrogen peroxide/sodium chlorite mixturebehaves like a self destructing preservative with the end products beingwater, oxygen, and sodium chloride.

Additionally, the ocular symptoms of the treated eyes were observed andgraded over a period of one hour post instillation for burning andstinging sensations, pain, redness, tearing, itching, photopsia,photophobia, discharge and for foreign body sensation as shown below.

TABLE XIV Time post instillation Zero 30 1 2 3 5 10 15 30 60 timeseconds minute minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutesBurning/Stinging 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redness 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tearing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Itching 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 Photopsia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Photophobia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign Body 0 +0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Sensation Grading Scale: 0 = None; +0.5 = Trace; +1 = Mild; +2 =Moderate; +3 = Moderately Severe; +4 = Severe

The above results show that the hydrogen peroxide/sodium chloritemixture is very well tolerated by the human eye without presenting anysigns of irritation, inflammation, or any other adverse effects.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the inventionhas been described hereabove with reference to certain examples andspecific embodiments. However, these are not the only examples andembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Indeed, variousmodifications may be made to the above-described examples andembodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to beconsidered on all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It isintended that all such modifications be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. An anti-microbial preservative for use in an ophthalmic product, thepreservative consisting of from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. %chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt % peroxycompound, wherein the preservative does not contain chlorine dioxideprior to application to the eye of an individual, and wherein thepreservative is at a pH range between about 6.0 and about 8.8. 2-76.(canceled)
 77. The preservative of claim 1 wherein the chlorite compoundis a metal chlorite.
 78. The preservative of claim 77 wherein the metalis sodium.
 79. The preservative of claim 77 wherein the metal isselected from the group consisting of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.80. The preservative of claim 1 wherein the peroxy compound is hydrogenperoxide.
 81. The preservative of claim 1 wherein the ophthalmic productis an artificial tear solution.
 82. The preservative of claim 1 whereinthe ophthalmic product is a contact lens disinfecting solution.
 83. Thepreservative of claim 1 wherein the ophthalmic product is a contact lenscleaning solution.
 84. The preservative of claim 83 wherein the cleaningsolution is directly applied to a contact lens in place on an eye of aliving being.